Malmö Castle (Malmöhus Slott)

A red-brick Renaissance fortress turned museum hub, Malmö Castle weaves royal power, prison stories and Nordic culture into one moat-ringed city landmark.

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Malmö Castle

Malmö Castle, or Malmöhus Slott, is a red-brick Renaissance fortress set on a moat-ringed islet just west of Malmö’s old town. Once a key stronghold of the Danish crown, a royal residence and later a prison, it now forms the heart of Malmö Museer, southern Sweden’s largest museum complex. Inside, historic vaults house exhibitions on city history, art, natural history, technology and seafaring, while the surrounding parks and water add a tranquil, scenic backdrop.

A brief summary to Malmö Castle

Malmöhusvägen 6, Malmö, 211 18, SE
+4640341000
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
Budget
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
Thursday 11 am-7 pm
Friday 11 am-5 pm
Saturday 11 am-5 pm
Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

Plan at least two to three hours inside; the castle is only part of a large museum complex that includes art, history, natural history and an aquarium.
Check current opening hours before you go; the museums typically close on Mondays and have slightly longer hours on certain weekdays.
Walk a full loop around the moat and through the adjacent parks for the best exterior views and photos of the fortress in its green setting.
Families should look for the aquarium and hands-on natural history sections, which tend to be a highlight for children.
If possible, visit on a clear day to combine indoor exhibitions with time in nearby Kungsparken and Slottsträdgården.

Getting There

On foot from Malmö Central Station

From Malmö Central Station, allow around 15–20 minutes to walk to Malmö Castle through the city’s central districts. The route is mostly flat and paved, passing through or alongside parkland, and is suitable for most visitors with basic mobility. Good footwear is helpful in wet or icy conditions, and winter weather may make the final paths around the moat slightly slippery.
Local bus within Malmö

Several city bus lines stop within a short walk of Malmöhusvägen. Typical travel time from central Malmö areas is 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and route. A single adult ticket on Malmö’s local buses generally costs around 30–40 SEK and can be purchased via regional transport apps or ticket machines. Buses usually run frequently during the day, with reduced service late evenings and on weekends.
Bicycle within central Malmö

Malmö is a cycle-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes linking the central station, old town and park areas around the castle. Cycling from most central neighbourhoods takes around 5–15 minutes. You can use your own bike or a local rental; day rentals typically start from about 80–150 SEK depending on provider. Remember that some paths around the moat are shared with pedestrians, so moderate speed and care are important.
Train from Copenhagen then walk

From Copenhagen, regional Öresund trains run frequently to Malmö Central Station, with travel times of roughly 35–45 minutes. A one-way adult ticket usually costs in the range of 120–160 SEK equivalent, depending on fare type and time of purchase. From Malmö Central it is a pleasant 15–20 minute walk to the castle through the city’s historic core and adjacent parks; the overall journey is accessible year-round, though winter weather can be cold and windy.

Malmö Castle location weather suitability

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Discover more about Malmö Castle

From Danish Stronghold to Swedish Landmark

Malmö Castle rises over its encircling moat on Slottsholmen, the “castle islet” that once guarded one of Scandinavia’s busiest trade routes. The first fortress here was founded in 1434 by King Eric of Pomerania to reinforce control over the narrow Öresund strait and the lucrative Sound Dues levied on passing ships. That early stronghold was torn down during 16th-century unrest, but its outlines linger in the walls and earthworks around the site. The castle as you see it today dates largely from the 1530s, when Danish king Christian III ordered a modern fortress and stately Renaissance residence on the same spot. With thick brick ramparts, corner towers and a sheltered inner courtyard, Malmöhus became one of Denmark’s most important strongholds, symbolising royal power in the region long before Malmö was part of Sweden.

Renaissance Architecture Behind Red-Brick Walls

Approaching across the bridge, you first notice the robust, almost austere red-brick façade, softened by stepped gables and narrow windows typical of the Nordic Renaissance. Defensive towers once bristled with cannon; today, they frame views across the moat and surrounding parks. Inside, vaulted halls, stone stairwells and worn wooden beams hint at centuries of adaptation, from royal apartments to military quarters. Beyond the main keep, outbuildings and bastions fill the islet, forming a compact complex that still reads as a working fortress. Details such as the massive gate passage, arrow slits and thick doorways remind you that this was designed to withstand sieges as well as host royal ceremonies and feasts. Yet the proportions remain human in scale, making it easy to imagine the daily life that once unfolded here.

Centuries of Power, Prisoners and Dramatic Tales

Malmöhus has seen both splendour and hardship. In the 16th century it housed Danish princes and minted coins for the crown, while elaborate banquets and celebrations lit up the halls. After the surrounding province of Skåne became Swedish in 1658, the castle shifted from royal residence to military outpost on a contested frontier, before drifting into partial neglect. From 1828 to 1909, the fortress served as a prison, and the courtyard gained a grim reputation for executions. Among its most famous earlier inmates was James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell and third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was held here in the late 1560s before being moved deeper into Denmark. In the 20th century, the castle took on a very different role when parts of it were used to shelter survivors arriving from German concentration camps at the end of the Second World War.

Southern Sweden’s Largest Museum Complex

Since the 1930s Malmö Castle has been carefully restored and transformed into the core of Malmö Museer, the largest museum complex in southern Sweden. A single ticket opens the way into a wide range of exhibitions spread through the historic halls and adjoining buildings, from city history and maritime collections to technology displays and changing cultural shows. Within the complex you also find the Malmö Art Museum, with Nordic art from the 16th century to today, as well as natural history galleries that explore regional landscapes, wildlife and environmental themes. An aquarium and sections focused on marine life and ecosystems make the site especially engaging for younger visitors, while design and photography displays add contemporary perspectives to the castle’s older layers.

Castle Islet, Moat and Surrounding Green Spaces

The setting is as much a part of the experience as the exhibitions. The castle sits within a broad moat, its reflections framed by grassy banks and walking paths that loop around the water. Just beyond lie Malmö’s central parks, including leafy Kungsparken and Slottsparken, and the cultivated beds and canals of Slottsträdgården, creating a continuous green belt that wraps the historic islet. This combination of fortress, museum and parkland offers plenty of space to pause between galleries, watch birdlife along the moat or simply enjoy the contrast between the castle’s solid walls and the soft, open landscape around them. Whether you are tracing Nordic history room by room or just strolling the paths outside, Malmö Castle ties together the city’s maritime past, political struggles and modern cultural life in one compact, atmospheric site.

Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.

Unmissable attractions to see

Malmo Museum

0.0 km

A Renaissance castle turned all-in-one museum complex, where Malmö’s history, nature, art, technology and an aquarium come together beside a tranquil city moat.

Slottsträdgården

0.1 km

An organic urban sanctuary where passionate gardeners transformed a fortress island into a thriving ecological oasis.

Fiskehoddorna

0.2 km

Heritage-listed wooden fish huts on Banérskajen where Malmö’s coastal traditions, fresh seafood and smoky harbor aromas come together in a colorful quay-side market.

Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus / Malmö museum

0.3 km

Explore Malmö’s story of machines, ships and science in a vast 1960s brick hall, from a real Swedish submarine to immersive 360° dome journeys into space.

Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus / Malmö museum

Kungsparken, Malmö

0.3 km

Malmö’s oldest park, Kungsparken, blends English-style landscapes, myth-laced fountains and castle-side canals into a tranquil green escape in the heart of the city.

Malmo Live Concert AB

0.5 km

Waterfront concert and congress hub where Malmö Symphony Orchestra, bold architecture, and a full spectrum of music and culture share one sculptural urban block.

Malmö City Library

0.6 km

Light‑filled landmark library on the edge of Slottsparken, blending bold glass architecture, rich multilingual collections and lively cultural programmes.

Malmö old cemetery

0.7 km

Historic green refuge at the edge of Gustav Adolfs torg, where tree‑lined paths, old gravestones and quiet stories of Malmö’s 19th‑century citizens meet city life.

Form/Design Center

0.7 km

Historic half-timbered granary turned free design hub, blending contemporary exhibitions, curated shopping and a relaxed café around a cobbled Malmö courtyard.

Lilla torg

0.7 km

Cobbled, compact and full of life, Lilla torg weaves four centuries of Malmö history into one intimate square of cafés, courtyards and characterful façades.

Stortorget

0.8 km

Malmö’s grand 16th‑century main square, where Renaissance power, shifting borders and everyday city life all play out on a single open stage.

Södergatan

0.9 km

Södergatan — Malmö’s iconic pedestrian avenue, renowned for historic architecture, vibrant shopping, street life, and the dynamic spirit of southwestern Sweden.

Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge

0.9 km

A modest Malmö canal bridge transformed into a poetic trail of bronze footsteps, celebrating the city’s creative souls above the waters of Södra Förstadskanalen.

Disgusting Food Museum

1.0 km

A playful Malmö museum where 80 of the world’s most reviled dishes invite you to sniff, squirm, taste and rethink what “disgusting” food really means.

St. Peter's Church

1.0 km

Malmö’s oldest building and a Brick Gothic masterpiece, St. Peter’s Church blends medieval architecture, Reformation history and serene light-filled interiors in the city center.

Essential places to dine

Malmö Saluhall

0.4 km

A vibrant industrial‑chic food hall where Malmö’s local flavors, global street food and artisan producers come together under one historic brick roof.

Noma

25.2 km

Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.

La Banchina

25.4 km

Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.

Alchemist

25.5 km

Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.

Restaurant Lola

25.7 km

Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.

Restaurant Barr

25.9 km

Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.

Restaurant Kanalen

26.0 km

Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.

Cafe Wilder

26.0 km

A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.

Kadeau

26.1 km

Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.

Khun Juk

26.2 km

Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.

Skipperkroen

26.3 km

Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.

Cap Horn

26.4 km

Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.

No. 2

26.4 km

Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.

à terre

26.4 km

à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.

Nyhavns Færgekro

26.4 km

Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Field's

25.9 km

Scandinavia's premier shopping destination blending retail excellence, dining diversity, and family entertainment in Copenhagen's vibrant Ørestad.

Copenhagenglass

26.2 km

Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.

Maritime Antiques &

26.2 km

Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.

The Crown souvenir

26.2 km

Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.

Royal Souvenir Shop

26.5 km

Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.

Zane

26.5 km

Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.

Magasin du Nord

26.6 km

Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.

Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs

26.6 km

Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.

The Wilde Shop

26.6 km

A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.

Viking Souvenirs

26.6 km

Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.

Danish Souvenirs & luggages

26.7 km

Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.

Copenhagen Souvenir & Design

26.7 km

Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.

Urban Outfitters

26.8 km

Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.

Danish Souvenirs

26.8 km

Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.

ILLUM

26.9 km

ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Whammy Bar

24.4 km

Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.

Lassie Bar

25.3 km

A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.

Eiffel bar

26.0 km

Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.

TATA Cocktail Bar

26.4 km

A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.

Brønnum

26.5 km

An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.

Black Swan

26.7 km

Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.

Aloha Beach Bar

26.7 km

Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.

Bar Deco

26.7 km

Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.

Balthazar

26.7 km

A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.

1105

26.8 km

Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.

Ved Stranden

26.8 km

Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.

K-Bar

26.8 km

Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.

The Moose

26.9 km

Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.

Charlie's Bar

26.9 km

Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.

Pier5 Bar

26.9 km

Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Lusso

26.7 km

A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.

Mini Bar

26.9 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.

The Zoo

26.9 km

Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.

Culture Box

26.9 km

Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.

Chateau Motel

27.2 km

Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.

Club Mambo

27.2 km

Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.

Hive

27.3 km

Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.

Mirror

27.3 km

Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.

Rumors

27.3 km

Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.

Miami Bar

27.4 km

Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.

Dorsia

27.4 km

Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.

La Terraza

27.4 km

Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.

Arch

27.5 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Mirage

27.5 km

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.

Cosy Bar

27.5 km

Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Malmö Castle (Malmöhus Slott)

A brief summary to Malmö Castle

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

On foot from Malmö Central Station

Local bus within Malmö

Bicycle within central Malmö

Train from Copenhagen then walk

Malmö Castle location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Malmö Castle

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Malmö Castle

From Danish Stronghold to Swedish Landmark

Renaissance Architecture Behind Red-Brick Walls

Centuries of Power, Prisoners and Dramatic Tales

Southern Sweden’s Largest Museum Complex

Castle Islet, Moat and Surrounding Green Spaces

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Stortorget 8

Peberholm

Krudhuset

The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950

Nyholm Central Guardhouse

Sankt Annæ Gade

Inderhavnsbroen

Christianshavns Kanal

Ofelia Plads

Arne Jacobsens Allé 12

I am Queen Mary

Larsens Pl.

The Kissing Stairs

ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael

Christianshavn

Unmissable attractions to see

Malmo Museum

Slottsträdgården

Fiskehoddorna

Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus / Malmö museum

Kungsparken, Malmö

Malmo Live Concert AB

Malmö City Library

Malmö old cemetery

Form/Design Center

Lilla torg

Stortorget

Södergatan

Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge

Disgusting Food Museum

St. Peter's Church

Essential places to dine

Malmö Saluhall

Noma

La Banchina

Alchemist

Restaurant Lola

Restaurant Barr

Restaurant Kanalen

Cafe Wilder

Kadeau

Khun Juk

Skipperkroen

Cap Horn

No. 2

à terre

Nyhavns Færgekro

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Field's

Copenhagenglass

Maritime Antiques &

The Crown souvenir

Royal Souvenir Shop

Zane

Magasin du Nord

Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs

The Wilde Shop

Viking Souvenirs

Danish Souvenirs & luggages